As gaming goes from strength to strength in South Africa, Telkom has welcomed it with open arms in the form of investments and sponsorships in many areas and, on TV, in the form of the Telkom VS Gaming Weekly show which you can watch every Friday at 14:00 on SABC 1 and streaming on SABC+. The show brings local gamers everything they could want in a programme that is made by people who also love games, so tune in to find news, gameplay, analysis and more from a dedicated team of creators and lively presenters.
One of those presenters is Julia ‘bish’ Robson, a regular fixture in the local and even international gaming content creation scenes, Robson brings her own unique spin to the show, especially for gamers who may not be represented as they should be.
Hypertext spoke to Robson to find out how she teamed up with Telkom VS Gaming Weekly, the South African gaming scene and how that scene can be a become a better place for women.
Hypertext: For those who maybe don’t know, who is Julia “bish” Robson and how did she become such a big name in the South African gaming scene?
Julia ‘bish’ Robson: As a full-time gamer and brand ambassador for Acer Africa, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the thrill of competitive gaming firsthand. My journey began in the COD4 Promod era, where I fell in love with the camaraderie and competition of BYOC LAN events. From humble garage LANs to attending Dreamhack in Sweden, I’ve accumulated a treasure trove of gaming memories that continue to fuel my passion for the industry. My transition from an ex-dentistry student to a national television personality is a testament to the power of the gaming community, which inspires me daily.
Hypertext: When did Acer come into the picture and how did you become its South African Gaming Ambassador?
Robson: In 2019, Acer Africa approached me with an incredible opportunity to become their brand ambassador. At the time, I had already established myself in the gaming scene through content creation, competing, and live streaming. I believe my passion for esports resonated with them, and since then, we’ve collaborated to promote growth in the local gaming community and further esports in the education sector. I’m proud to represent Acer Africa and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Hypertext: Like Acer , you are now also involved with Telkom VS Gaming. How did that come about?
Robson: The team behind Telkom VS Gaming reached out to me with an opportunity that doesn’t come around often. As a social media content creator, breaking into traditional media can be challenging, but I’m grateful to have this platform to share my passion for gaming with a wider audience. I’m thrilled to be a part of the VS Gaming Weekly show, where I get to discuss the latest local gaming action and share my expertise with viewers.
Hypertext: What is your role on Telkom VS Gaming Weekly?
Robson: As a presenter on the VS Gaming Weekly show, I have the privilege of dropping in on episodes and sharing my insights on the local gaming scene. It’s an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow gamers and enthusiasts, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.
Hypertext: What do you think sets Telkom VS Gaming Weekly apart from other gaming shows, and how do you think it will continue to evolve and improve in future seasons?
Robson: The production quality of Telkom VS Gaming is exceptional, with stunning visuals and talented individuals who bring local esports and gaming culture to life. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion of the team behind the scenes, and I’m honoured to be a part of it. Telkom VS Gaming Weekly focuses heavily on the South African gaming community. The show covers a broad range of topics, from gaming news, reviews, and esports tournaments to gaming culture and industry trends. This variety appeals to both casual gamers and esports enthusiasts, creating a well-rounded experience for viewers.
Hypertext: Unlike a lot of other content creators, you have a lot more going on behind the scenes with DNMK and your studies. Can you tell us more about these endeavours? How do you juggle them all? Please tell us what kind of coffee keeps you getting through it!
Robson: Balancing my responsibilities as a gamer, content creator, and business owner can be challenging, but I’ve learned to prioritise my time effectively. As the owner of ENTER LAN, I’m committed to hosting BYOC gaming events that bring the community together. While it can be demanding, I’m driven by my passion for gaming and my desire to see it grow in South Africa. And, of course, coffee is my trusty sidekick – I’m a fan of a good cappuccino to keep me going throughout the day!
Hypertext: From your experience seeing the local landscape change in terms of games that people are playing, what are the most popular games in South Africa right now? Do we follow what’s popular overseas or does South Africa have its own tastes?
Robson: The South African gaming community is unique in that gamers are willing to overcome obstacles to play the games they love. Despite challenges like high ping servers and limited local support, gamers find ways to adapt and thrive. Titles like EA FC and Call of Duty are popular among a broader demographic, while games like CS2 and Rocket League cater to a niche audience. Our local circuits take inspiration from international trends, but we’ve developed our own flavour, which is truly epic.
Hypertext: How can we encourage more women to play games? Regardless of what the game actually is.
Robson: To encourage more women to get involved in gaming, I’d say simply invite them to join your lobby! Many women are already interested in gaming, and exposure to new titles or genres can spark their passion. It’s essential to create a welcoming environment that encourages women to participate and showcase their skills.
Hypertext: How do you think Telkom VS Gaming Weekly can help to promote female gamers and provide opportunities for them to compete and connect with other gamers?
Robson: The success of all-female leagues locally has been remarkable, providing opportunities for women to bridge the skill gap created by the traditionally male-dominated esports scene. We’ve seen talented female gamers showcased on international stages, and I believe that more leagues, exposure, and opportunities will continue to foster growth and development in this area.
Hypertext: What challenges do women face when they seek to get into gaming professionally?
Robson: In my experience, exposure to highly skilled opponents and opportunities to learn from top players are crucial for women to develop their gaming skills. The local gaming community is generally welcoming, and I’ve seen many talented female gamers thrive in this environment. We just need more passionate women to join the scene and showcase their talents.
Hypertext: What can viewers expect from Season 4 of Telkom VS Gaming Weekly?
Robson: Season 4 of Telkom VS Gaming Weekly promises to be an exciting ride, with the latest esports news, talented guests, and a focus on showcasing the skills of our local gaming community. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for gaming with viewers and exploring the world of gaming with some unexpected guests who might just surprise you with their gaming prowess! What’s even more exciting is that for season 4 we have launched a podcast titled VS Talking, where viewers and listeners can catch up on the VS weekly show and latest conversation about the leagues.
Catch Julia ‘bish’ Robson on the Telkom VS Gaming Weekly show every Friday at 14:00 on SABC 1. You can also stream the show on SABC+.
Catch previews, snippets and more on the VS Gaming YouTube channel. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss a thing.
You can, of course, catch Robson in new episodes but she’s live many other places too.
